Abstract: A synthetic polymer has a water-soluble or water-swellable polyurethane backbone and terminal groups and/or intermediate groups of blocks of hydrophobes of alkyl- or aryl compounds containing a polymerizable cyclic monomer or a polymerizable double bond (or alkene) group or derivatives thereof. The blocks of hydrophobes are composed of two or more units of the same or different hydrophobes. These synthetic polymers are used as rheology modifiers, especially in latex paints.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising having improved absorption of electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. The photovoltaic cell can include a rear contact, a first cell having a first band-gap energy, and a rear contact in electrical communication with an electromechanical device. The first cell can include InxGaySbz, where x+y+z=1 and z ranges from 0.00001 to 0.025. the photovoltaic cell can also include a second cell having a second band-gap energy, and a first tunnel disposed between the first and second cells. The photovoltaic cell can include at least a third cell and a second tunnel disposed between the second and third cells. The uppermost cell can include GaP or InP.

Abstract: A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of subterranean cementing involving cement compositions comprising particulate foamed elastomers and associated methods are provided. In one embodiment, the cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, a particulate foamed elastomer, and an aqueous fluid. In one embodiment, the particulate foamed elastomer may comprise polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A module includes optically transparent first and second substrates and a plurality of clusters, with each cluster including: a plurality of rod type solar cells; a conductive layer to which first electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a conductive member to which second electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a bypass diodes connected to the conductive layer and the conductive member; and a conductive connection member that electrically connects the conductive layer to conductive member of the cluster that is adjacent in a predetermined direction. By providing the plurality of clusters arranged in a hexagonal or rectilinear configuration, it is possible to enlarge the permitted scope for selection of the ratio between sunlight transmission ratio and electrical generation capability, so that it is possible to obtain enhanced freedom of design for use as a window material.

Abstract: Aqueous well treatment fluid compositions are disclosed comprising an aqueous fluid containing polymer or copolymer for modifying fluid viscosity of the aqueous fluid and, in addition, an agent for effecting a controlled reduction in the aqueous fluid viscosity in a subterranean environment. The viscosity-reducing agent comprises a dilute concentration of peracetic acid. A method of using such compositions in oil- and gas-field treatment operations is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to increase photoelectric conversion efficiency in a photoelectric conversion device, there is disclosed a photoelectric converter containing a photoelectric conversion unit in which a p-type layer (40) containing a p-type dopant, an i-type layer (42) that is a microcrystalline silicon layer that is an electricity-generating layer, and an n-type layer (44) containing an n-type dopant are layered, wherein the p-type layer (40) is caused to have a layered structure comprising a first p-type layer (40a) that is a microcrystalline silicon layer, and a second p-type layer (40b) containing at least one of an amorphous silicon carbide p-type layer and an amorphous silicon p-type layer disclosed between the microcrystalline silicon p-type layer (40a) and the i-type layer (42). The second p-type layer (40b) is provided with an oxide layer on the side of the i-type layer (42).

Abstract: Provided are solar cells and methods of forming the same. The solar cell includes an anti-reflection layer on a substrate, a first electrode on the anti-reflection layer, a photo-electro conversion layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the photo-electro conversion layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing polymer conjugates of agricultural, therapeutic, and food additive compounds using Mitsunobu conditions.

Abstract: A high-temperature drilling fluid is disclosed based on brine and on a mixture of solids of controlled grain size, with water, dissolved salts and insoluble mineral solids comprising at least in part a weighting material of a grain size such that its D50 ranges between 1 and 25 ?m and in part colloids of a grain size such that its D50 ranges between 0.2 and 2 ?m. The total volume fraction of the solids ranges between 30 and 50% in relation to the total volume, and the total volume comprises at least 10% by volume of the colloids.

Abstract: An aqueous hydraulic fluid composition comprising a first lubricant comprising at least one phospholipid and a second lubricant comprising an alkoxylate salt. The aqueous hydraulic fluid composition contains less than about 20% by weight (preferably none or substantially none) of an oil selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbon oils, and mixtures thereof. The use of alkoxylate salts provides increased lubricity and also acts as an emulsion stabilizer for the composition.

Abstract: A composition that includes a product resulting from a condensation reaction of quebracho with at least one organophilic species that includes a reactive amine is disclosed.

Abstract: Amphiphilic graft polymers based on water-soluble polyalkylene oxides (A) as a graft base and side chains formed by polymerization of a vinyl ester component (B), said polymers having an average of ?1 graft site per 50 alkylene oxide units and mean molar masses Mw of from 3000 to 100 000.

Abstract: A solar element with increased efficiency and also a method for increasing the efficiency of a solar cell are provided. The solar cell comprises a luminescent element, an upconverter, and also at least one selectively reflecting structure.

Abstract: A well treatment fluid and method of use includes water, at least one hydratable polymer, an optional crosslinking agent, and a delayed release percarbonate formulation effective to reduce initial viscosity of the fluid after a period of time. Also disclosed are processes for fracturing a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A lift-off structure for substrate of a photoelectric device and method thereof, which making it possible to enable an etching solution to flow through not only external etch channel but also internal etch channel to etch a sacrificial layer in order to increase the overall etching speed and decrease the overall time of lifting a substrate off.

Abstract: A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation.

Abstract: The invention provides a oriented white polyester film, which includes at least one polyester film with a cavitation additive, wherein the cavitation additive includes poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylamide), a copolymer of sulfophthalate salt and nylon, polyarylate (PAR), ethylene methacrylate (EMA), ethylene methacrylate acrylic acid terpolymer (EMAAA), polyetherimide (PEI), metallocene catalyzed cyclic olefin copolymer (mCOC) or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Bromate oxidizing agents are used along with selected breaking activators for the bromate breaking compounds. Useful bromate breaking activators include acid-generating breaking activators, oxidizing sulfur containing breaking activators, and reducing agent breaking activators.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluid; providing a clean-up composition comprising a carboxylic acid; a chlorite-based breaker system comprising an alkali metal compound and an activator wherein the activator comprises a metal and an amine. Placing a viscosified treatment fluid in a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; first contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with the chlorite-based breaker; and then contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with the clean-up composition; and, allowing the viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid to reduce.